Local cathodic protection design based on numerical simulation

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this investigation was to study these problems and design regional cathodic protection, using numerical simulation. Regional cathodic protection technology is immature at home and abroad. This is reflected in the fact that in gas stations, there are many underground pipelines, which can lead to serious interference and shielding phenomena, and there are many grounding networks that can cause substantial loss of the cathodic protection current. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the above, in this article, first of all, the mathematical model of the buried pipeline cathodic protection potential distribution was established and the control equations solved using the boundary element method. Second, the cathodic shielding effect in pipeline concentration areas, the effect of instrument equipment grounding systems on cathodic protection and the influence of DC stray current on the interference of pipeline corrosion were studied separately using BEASY software. Finally, the BEASY software was used for a regional cathodic protection design for a real gas station. Findings – It was concluded that impressed current used in combination with sacrificial anodes for regional cathodic protection design is often the most economic and effective approach. However, the output current of the auxiliary anode is large with high energy consumption. In consequence, it may be recommended that the station pipelines should be laid on the ground, rather than under it. Originality/value – It is considered that the results can guide regional cathodic protection design for real-life installations very well.